MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7947
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive level work directing the operation of the Department of Health and Human Services and coordinating the health and human service programs of the County Government. Contacts are with high ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, State and Federal officials, private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending the County's positions. At times, conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements, and evaluates all County health and human service policies and programs by directing subordinate managers to: improve the health, social and economic conditions of the County's low income families, individuals, and elderly residents; coordinate public and private services for children and youth, and provide technical assistance to agencies serving this population; ensure the coordination of public and private services to persons with disabilities and their families, as well as the County's deinstitutionalization and shelter programs; ensure the delivery of emergency, crisis prevention, and mental health/adult addiction services, and services to victims of assault/abuse/neglect and their families; and provide for the development and implementation of new health and human service program initiatives. The work is performed under broadly defined missions and functions and general administrative direction. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and evaluated in terms of the health and human services system's role in meeting the needs of County residents. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a broad range of health and human services functions and programs. The work requires consideration of the needs of various targeted groups in the population as well as societal and community issues and impacts, and development of solutions that accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups and individuals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Directs and coordinates the operation of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Develops new and innovative approaches to health and human services policies and programs, and oversees development of coordinated, comprehensive, and strategic health and human services.
Coordinates Departmental budget initiatives.
Develops Departmental State legislative agenda annually and coordinates County positions on State legislation and policies affecting health and human services.
Meets with the County Executive and CAO to inform them of critical issues and provide recommendations for actions and policies.
Meets with and directs principal service chiefs to discuss program status, and to ensure regular communication, cooperation, and a coordinated work effort.
Represents the County Executive on a variety of health and human service advisory committees, and at many community meetings and organizations.
Meets with the County Council to provide information.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience in public health, mental health or human services planning and implementation, social work, or related field with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Health Administration, Human Service Administration, Social Services or a related field.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, practices and procedures of public health and human service programs to meet the needs of all age groups and varied community interests.
Extensive knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the Federal, State and County laws, statutes and ordinances pertaining to public health and human service programs.
Extensive knowledge of local government functions and organizations.
Skill in planning, directing and coordinating the functions and activities involved in the applications of effective health and human service programs.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.
Skill in integrating services provided with those of other County departments, agencies, public and private organizations.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of residents, public and private organizations, boards, commissions and County staff
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in developing and presenting justifications and defenses of decisions reached.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: None.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Establshed: March 1972
Revised: July, 1987
August, 1995
July, 2002
December, 2002